The fifth generation in mobile technology seems like a dream for the internet user: speeds up to a hundred times higher compared to the 4G networks. The new technological possibilities are glorified, but not everyone believes that this development is positive. Because isn’t that radiation terribly unhealthy?
This also applies to the patient association Stichting EHS, which expresses its concerns about the new network on behalf of 500,000 Dutch people with electrohypersensitivity. For this group, it is possible that they will suffer a lot from the involuntary exposure to radiation or may even become ill from it.
Electromagnetic radiation
In 2020, the Netherlands will start rolling out 5G, or the fifth generation of the mobile network. The successor to the current 4G is welcomed with open arms by tech enthusiasts because it achieves speeds of up to a hundred times higher. This not only means that, for example, watching live television in high resolution and downloading large files is easier, it also partly removes delays in mobile communication.
However, the roll-out of the 5G network also means that almost five thousand new masts will have to be installed, in addition to the current 46,000 transmission towers. The government has given the green light to this growth, despite the concerns of a large number of citizens. One in five Dutch people is concerned about the effect of electromagnetic radiation on health, although scientific research to date still states that mobile radiation is harmless. For example, Professor of Antenna Technology Bart Smolders says that we are continuously surrounded by electromagnetic radiation that not only comes from Wi-Fi and 4G, but also from television and radio signals. However, the intensity of sunlight is many times higher, according to him, so there should be no cause for concern about mobile radiation.
Security uncertain
The radiation from 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G is the same, but differs in the way the signals are transmitted. Some of the latest generation masts have the ability to bundle mobile radiation, target and track individual users. This increases the amount of radiation, albeit for a short period of time, and reduces the electromagnetic fields in the vicinity. Also, 5G uses higher radio frequencies, which means that radiation penetrates less far into the body.
Although it has not been proven that 5G is harmful to health, the opposite is also not certain to date. RIVM therefore considers more research advisable before providers roll out the 5G networks this year.
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- ad.nl